Jim Harris
Partner,
About Jim
Expertise
Jim Harris is a co-leader of the firm's Global Aerospace, Defense & Government Services practice.
Jim's A&D work has covered commercial and defense OEMs, Tier I/II suppliers, MRO providers and major airlines, as well as several government services players.
He has led engagements across strategy, M&A, organization and performance improvement. He brings deep functional expertise across the value stream, including product development, engineering, planning, procurement/supply chain and manufacturing.
Jim joined Bain in 1997. Earlier in his career, he worked in marketing for Dell.
Jim received an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, where he graduated as a Tuck Scholar. He also earned a BA from Rice University in biochemistry, chemistry and economics.
Cost reduction is a challenging topic for many companies, but especially for those in aerospace and defense. Jim Harris describes the benefits of using zero-based redesign and zero-based budgeting to focus on the real requirements to running a business as efficiently as possible.
Recent Insights
- “Defense M&A,” M&A Report,一月 2026, Report
- “Global air travel faces near-term headwinds as trade tensions persist but pockets of opportunities abound,” Press release, 五月 2025
- “Demand Is Soaring For Commercial Engine Maintenance, Repair Slots,” Aviation Week,八月 2024, Article
- “Advanced Air Mobility: What Electric Air Taxis Need to Take Off ,” Brief, 七月 2024
- “Aircraft engine maintenance and repair to peak in 2026, worsening capacity shortage for commercial aviation,” Press release, 七月 2024
In the News
- “Will aviators ever kick their carbon habit?,” The Economist,七月 2023, The Economist
- “Demand-Based Measures May Quickly Curb Aviation’s CO2 Emissions,” Aviation Week,三月 2022, Aviation Week
- “Melrose’s bid for GKN raises questions about Britain’s defense industry,” The Economist,一月 2018, The Economist
- “Uber's lofty plan: Flying taxis in L.A. ,” Los Angeles Times,十一月 2017, Los Angeles Times
- “We won't be flying in electric planes for at least 15 years, says industry expert,” CNBC,十月 2017, CNBC